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Looking for air hose/fittings

04-27-2008, 11:09 AM

So I wanna make my own air hoses, here is the idea. We just got a new compressor in our shop, finally a good compressor that should provide enough power for what we do. We were thinking about hard lining/pluming the place, drop downs and all that good stuff. I was talking to my neighbor, and since we have a lease on the building ( 1 year at a time ) , he said do you really want to take all that time, spend money and leave it here when you leave ? I know I could take it down, but its not something I want to do or would look forward to doing. So we came up with the idea of just using rubber lines, clamping them to the wall to make sure they look nice, and do the job as well. I wanna make a few areas near the work benches and some t fittings, so I can just t in a line while I work at that bench, then just take it off when done using it at the table.

So anyways, anyone know of any good sites to find these types of things ? Any advice ? Tips, suggestions ? I know some will think its a bad idea using the rubber lines, but I just think its more practical for our application.

Comment

If I were going to run an air distribution system based on hose, I think my main line would be something sturdy, like 3/4" industrial rubber (like the stuff they use on jackhammers) hose. That would stand up to clamping devices for hanging it on walls, and would be large enough to supply the volume.

Comment

I hate to suggest this, but you might want to consider schedule 80 PVC. I know its not ideal, but its cheap and easy, the schedule 80 should give the safety margin you need. I think a wavy run of rubber will just let moisture accumulate in the dips and i don't think the rubber will hold up all t hat well, besides its probably cheaper than using hose.

Comment

Please don't take the water pipe route. PVC 40, 80 or CPVC has no safety margin when used for compressed gasses. It is not rated for compressed gasses at all. If you hit a PVC pipe that in under pressure it can shatter and throw shards all over. A steel or copper pipe will dent or leak but not blow apart making shards. Temp and pressure ratings are for non compressible liquids only. Liquids don't expand to 8X compressed volume when accidentally released like 125PSI air will.

Comment

I would go copper. When you move a few sawzall cuts and it's down. With the price of copper you may want to disguise it with a coat of paint. Copper is highly " liquid at a pretty good price these days. Just ask any contractor.

Comment

+1 on copper. Cost is about the same as black pipe after all is said and done It is easy to fit up and sweat, fittings are easy to get and there are no internal rust issues. 3/4 for the main and 1/2 for the drops will cover most apps just fine. One user shop and no 75 foot+ long runs 1/2 will work fine.